Healthcare Inspection Alleged Inappropriate Treatment Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon

he purpose of this inspection was to determine the validity of allegations that a woman veteran received inappropriate treatment at the Portland VA Medical Center (the facility) in Portland, Oregon. We confirmed that the patient was placed in a room with a shared bathroom. However, we could neither confirm nor refute that the patient was told that she had to share the bathroom with male patients. We did not substantiate that the unit was not equipped for patients with physical disabilities. The unit met the Americans with Disabilities Act and Veterans Health Administration requirements. Although we could neither confirm nor refute that unit employees were insensitive to the patient’s disability, facility managers agreed to conduct sensitivity awareness training. In addition, facility managers clarified the role of the patient advocate office in responding to patients’ complaints or concerns. We made no recommendations.